Matchday Four

COLERAINE are on the road for the second time this season as they make the journey to Mourneview Park to face Glenavon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it back-to-back wins last weekend as they beat Glentoran 2-1 at The Showgrounds. The Bannsiders led by two goals at the break as Stephen O’Donnell and Ben Doherty were on the scoresheet, but the game turned on its head as James McLaughlin was dismissed on 63 minutes. The Glens forced a nervy finish as Jay Donnelly headed in from Caolan Marron’s cross on 89  minutes but the Stripes held on for a deserved three points.

The Lurgan Blues have drawn two and lost one of their opening three games. Gary Hamilton’s side would be frustrated during last weekend’s goalless draw against Dungannon Swifts as they missed a first-half penalty to take the lead. There have been five new arrivals at Mourneview Park during the summer transfer window including Peter Campbell (Loughgall), Matthew Fitzpatrick (Coleraine), Michael O’Connor (Salford City), Matthew Snoddy (Crusaders – loan) and Sean Ward (Crusaders).

Recent meetings:

The two clubs would be no strangers to each other last season as they matched up on four occasions in two different competitions.

In August, it would be the Bannsiders who would leave Mid-Ulster with all three points. After a cagey opening 45 minutes, the visitors would hit the front with the last action of the first-half as Stephen Lowry was on hand to find the back of the net from James McLaughlin’s lay off. Then, a minute into the second-half, the same combination would work wonders again as Lowry powered home his second of the evening. The win was secured with further strikes from Ben Doherty and a debut goal from Nedas Maciulaitis.

Two months later, Coleraine would hold a two-goal lead at the break via James McLaughlin as Glenavon defender Daniel Larmour was sent-off. Oran Kearney’s men would kill the game off after the break as James McLaughlin completed his hat-trick, before Ben Doherty netted from the spot.

In January, Glenavon would be drawn at home to Coleraine in the fifth round of the Irish Cup and it would be the Bannsiders who would reach the next round as Jamie Glackin scored after nine minutes, before the win was complete after the break as Eoin Bradley lobbed Jonathan Tuffey.

The Bannsiders would also take three points back in March in what would be our last home fixture of the 2019/20 campaign. First-half goals from Stewart Nixon and James McLaughlin would do the damage despite Conor McCloskey firing in a late free-kick.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is always a tough game against Glenavon and I can’t remember too many games that have been straightforward against them,” Kearney said.

“We have managed the players through training this week and we are anticipating another challenge.”

Admission:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, no away supporters will be permitted into the ground.

The match will be streamed live via the 247.tv website HERE and full instructions can be found HERE.

As ever, those unable to attend can follow the latest developments from the fixture via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).